Chandigarh, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab schools will undertake a year-long series of anti-drug awareness and prevention activities under the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, with a focus on engaging students, teachers, parents and local communities in efforts to prevent substance abuse.
According to an activity calendar issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), schools will conduct programmes throughout the academic year aimed at educating students about the risks and consequences of drug abuse and encouraging healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
The August programme will focus on student participation through poster-making activities carrying anti-drug messages. In September, schools will use Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) to sensitise parents about the risks associated with narcotic substances and the importance of early identification and timely intervention.
Poetry-writing and quiz competitions will be organised in October. From November to February, schools will involve members of local communities through experience-sharing sessions and anti-drug awareness workshops. Morning assemblies will also feature anti-drug pledges, while interactive sessions will focus on helping students understand the risks of substance abuse and the importance of healthy lifestyles.
Schools have also been directed to establish anti-drug clubs comprising teachers, headmasters and non-teaching staff. The programme encourages creative and interactive activities rather than relying solely on conventional lectures, with emphasis on healthy living and informed decision-making.
A key component of the initiative is strengthening the ability of school staff to identify and respond to drug-related concerns. More than 21,000 teachers are being equipped with practical skills to recognise early signs of mental health concerns and drug abuse among students and intervene at an appropriate stage.
Schools will also use a video-based anti-drug curriculum to educate students about substance abuse. Anonymous tip-off boxes have been encouraged to enable students to report suspected drug use or related concerns.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms. Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war on drugs. Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab.”
Under the programme, schools have also been directed to maintain a 500-metre drug-free zone around their premises and periodically report compliance. School heads and mentors will monitor the activities, maintain records and document implementation, including through photographs.
The year-long programme is intended to create a sustained prevention mechanism within schools by combining student awareness, teacher capacity-building, educational resources and community participation.
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